31 Jan 2013 12:37

Kazakh Defense Ministry confirms arrest of senior official

ASTANA. Jan 31 (Interfax) - Kazakh Defense Ministry spokesperson Saule Smagulova has confirmed the detention of Maj. Gen. Almaz Asenov, the director of the ministry's weapons procurement department.

"Maj. Gen. Almaz Asenov is a suspect in a criminal inquiry being conducted by the National Security Committee," Smagulova told Interfax on Thursday.

Asenov was detained by committee detectives, she said, refusing to comment further.

The KTK television station reported earlier, citing its sources, that Asenov, who oversees the ministry's programs to acquire, modernize and dispose of weapons, had been detained on suspicion of accepting a bribe of $200,000.